American Magic: Team behind the team

Before America’s Cup challenger New York Yacht Club American Magic hits the water this fall, they are putting the finishing touches on the leadership group which will support the sailing team. Two new additions are Luis Saenz Mariscal (left) and Jon Persch (right):

• Luis Saenz Mariscal (Madrid, Spain) returns to American Magic as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. Luis specializes in Corporate and Sports Law. His experience extends to America’s Cup Challenges, Round the World Sailing Races, and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation. His America’s Cup work has previously supported American Magic in the 36th America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge, Dennis Conner, and Desafio Español.

• Jon Persch (Boulder, Colo.) joins American Magic as Chief Commercial Officer. He is responsible for the commercial and marketing strategy, and execution for the team. Jon previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer for US Sailing, Chief Commercial Officer for USA Rugby and Major League Rugby. Jon has also held senior executive roles with Creative Artists Agency, World Wrestling Entertainment, and United Entertainment Group.

“Luis and Jon complete our leadership team and will be key players in shaping the future success and longevity of American Magic,” said Mike Cazer, Chief Executive Officer for NYYC American Magic. “We are building the franchise and intend for American Magic to be a regular competitor in the America’s Cup. As a team, we are strongly committed to our goal of winning the America’s Cup and bringing the Cup back to the United States.”

The 37th America’s Cup will take place September and October of 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on by March 30, 2022.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)